darren said:I'm sure all those giving there views on this have read the documents mentioned in the OP.
They will therefore be well aware of the statement on page 2 of the access document that says
"Access on English
waterways has been
disputed for more than 60
years. British Canoeing
believes there is a strong
case to demonstrate
an existing right to
navigation on rivers,
other parties disagree."
So what we have appears to be very similar to CROW. Two sides who believe opposite things. The only way to sort it will be when someone gets taken to court. People can believe what they want and post what they want. Doesn't mean anything till a court decides.
British Caneoing seem to be getting there ducks in a row before moving to the next stage.
droid said:grahams said:Anglers pay serious money for fishing rights.
And so they should. Anglers take fish out of the river, harm the fish stock and cause serious amounts of pollution that is a danger to wildlife - lost hooks, floats and lead weights. Canoeists cause no pollution and do no harm.
Coarse anglers catch and release. Most use barbless hooks and rigs that prevent fish towing gear around in case of line breakage. Incidents of pollution are often notified first by anglers, and there are many more anglers than paddlers.
Lead shot (except microshot) has been banned for decades, so I'm not sure where the 'serious amounts of pollution' come from. Don't confuse commercial stillwaters with the sort of places paddlers will be interested in.
Anglers also pay for rod licenses, the money from which goes to waterway management.
Get your facts right, please.
grahams said:When I go down to my local river I see trees festooned with broken line, hooks, floats and weights. No doubt the situation is just as bad below water. I also see canoeists quietly enjoying themselves and doing no harm. Given the harm done to wildlife which is caused by angling, I little live and let live might be in order.
I don't know why you're beating yourself up about it, a lot of people do - especially sea anglersEd said:I like fishing from my canoe....... :spank: